You might be asking yourself right now with well over two thousand reviews on the film 'Lucy' already posted why would anyone bother to post another? Good question, who am I to think I have anything uniquely different to add to the conversation? To be straightforward, the reason why is because I feel the current overall rating of 3 1/2 Stars is far lower than this film deserves and I'm simply doing what little I can to help raise that rating by at least half a star.

Yes the subject matter has been covered before. The influence of films like '2001: Space Odyssey', 'The Matrix', 'The Fountain', 'Tree of Life' as well as the more recent 'Limitless' and 'Transcendence' can be seen interwoven into the storyline, action scenes and scenery of 'Lucy'. However I don't see this as a distraction or negative, but rather a statement of fact. That fact being it's impossible to come up with something that doesn't contain bits and pieces of other movies within the same genre. Similarities are unavoidable and permissible as long as they're used as a springboard on the way to something new. It's not the repetition, but the subtle nuances that make the film. 'Lucy' definitely succeeds in adding some of those subtle nuances I was looking for!

I found 'The Gray Witch's Grimoire' by Amythyst Raine to be an honest, intelligent and accessible presentation of the practice of witchcraft in general and the way of the gray witch in particular. Ms. Raines' approach to the craft unfolds in a simple, yet subtly elegant writing style that is both inviting and informative. I appreciated the all inclusive nature of the information she has to share, neither couching her spiritual practices in obtuse language that would exclude the novice reader, nor relying on the fiction of familiarity which is too often relied on in books of this genre. You know what I mean, books that attempt to create the illusion that the author is writing secretively to a fellow coven member on quill and parchment under a full moon at midnight. In other words there's no theatrics here; just solid, reliable, constructive information that the reader can either file away mentally or make the personal choice to use as they choose.

It has been written by several reviewers that there is really nothing new being presented here, that it contains much information that you can get elsewhere. To a certain extent that may be true but then that's true about anything and everything one may choose to write about. There is always an accepted body of facts or a traditional teaching that constitutes a foundation. It's how you build upon that foundation that presents the possibility of something new being created. In her preface the author begins with a iconic quote from 'The Wizard of Oz', "Are you a good witch or a bad witch?" Here is the crux upon which the book rests; what is the role of the gray witch and where are they located on the path moving back and forth between darkness and light? Amythyst Raine successfully answers that question. The answer; they're balancing ever so delicately right in the middle.

Tracy Renee Twyman has written a book that is unlike anything I've ever encountered. You might think it odd that I use the word `encountered' instead of the more expected `read', but there's a reason. You see I discerned something more than just a book here; there is a living presence, other than the author, residing within these printed pages. You will recognize this presence as a disquieting sensation that paradoxically pushes the reader away, while simultaneously pulling them deeper into the mysteries waiting within. At first you will sense a cautionary impulse, an interior warning to discontinue reading. However if you are willing to fight through this innate defense mechanism before long this feeling will give way to a deep fascination that will override that initial impulse. With that said, welcome to the stout of heart. Welcome to the world of Clock Shavings'!

Since this book is autobiographical in nature I feel certain that the author is more than just aware of this dichotomous fear vs. fascination process I am referring to. Unquestionably she has moved in some of the darker corners of the esoteric, occult world where the more cautious and timid amongst us dare not go. Such being the case she has become intimate with particular people, groups and spiritual practices that have opened her mind and soul to non-physical dimensions and entities that may have agendas that are not in mankind's best interests. Thankfully some people just don't know what's good for them.

Throwing caution to the wind Tracy takes the reader on a remarkable journey of mythic proportions involving a quest undertaken by her newly founded secret society, `Ordo Lapsit Exillis' (Stones of Exile). Operating under a stated goal of discovering the true nature of the holy grail and exactly how it functions within the esoteric history and contemporary descendants of the royal bloodline of France. A lineage which allegedly includes Jesus of Nazareth and Mary Magdalene within its line of progenitors. Aided by her best friend and husband Brian, Tracy's quest oscillates between objective intellectual research and subjective personal experience. The first leading to the publishing of the now defunct underground classic zine (self-published magazine), `Dagobert's Revenge' and the latter to a specially designed Ouija board used to successfully contact the infamous goat-headed god Baphomet along with a number of other nefarious disembodied spirits.

Believe me when I say you will not be able to put this book down. Between the highly charged channeled material, the internal politics and intense egos warring within the OLE (Ordo Lapsit Exillis) and the arcane material presented you're in for quite a ride. If you enjoy exploring such topics as; Grail lore, numerology, divination, alchemy, etymology, sacred geometry, mythology, Satanism, Kabbalah, secret societies, the Nephilim, lost civilizations, Christian eschatology, UFO's, reptilians and the hollow earth then this is the book for you.

The final section of the book; "Terminus: Further and Beyond" (pages 252 - 418) functions in true interdisciplinary fashion presenting a dazzling comparative analysis and synthesis of the material presented, as well as some final thoughts & personal reflections from Tracy. This section is by far the most intellectually demanding portion of the book and will require the reader's utmost attention.

Whether you regard Tracy's interests and actions as being fearless or foolhardy, her inquisitive nature and research oriented pursuits have led to the creation of an amazing document. The authors firsthand accounts with preternatural entities coupled with her intellectual prowess within a wide range of esoteric fields have successfully coalesced in `Clock Shavings' into what just might be her Magnum Opus (Great Work). I predict that in the years to come this will be recognized as the book that summoned Baphomet out from the dusty pages of Templar history and veiled allusions of Freemasonry into the contemporary occult landscape as a conscious, aggressive personality to be dealt with. For good or ill, Baphomet once again moves amongst us!

While I have never personally seen a UFO or an extraterrestrial I have been told that Charles James Hall's accounts detailing his first hand encounters with the alien race known as Tall Whites rings true. For that reason and because there simply isn't much written material available on this particular interplanetary race, I decided to read his first book 'Millennial Hospitality'. I'm sorry to report that it wasn't what I had hoped it would be.

I found the narrative to be far too slow and plodding to hold my attention for any prolonged period of time. To make matter worse the author spends way too much time describing his daily activities in the Mohave desert leading up to his first sighting. By the time he finally details his first encounter you're a fourth of the way through the book. I will say that there is a simplicity and poignancy to these mysterious meetings with the Tall Whites that I find much more believable than most of the books I've read within the ET genre. That fact alone may make reading his works worthwhile to many alien enthusiasts and true believers.

However what really soured me on 'Millennial Hospitality' is the manner in which Charles James Hall chose to portray himself to his audience. I have never read an autobiographical work where the author displays a more egotistical self image than I found within this book. Everyone, both human and alien, find him to be the most intelligent person they have ever met. This is not conjecture on my part, he says it himself. Over and over again in fact, just to make sure we didn't miss it the first half dozen times. The reader is left to wonder whether someone with such a distorted, overblown self image could actually be relied upon to honestly and accurately relate an interaction of any kind, extraterrestrial or otherwise. Sorry, but for me the authors overwhelming desire to be recognized as a genius among men taints everything else he has to share. A little humility would have definitely gone a long way in making Mr. Hall a more credible witness to some extraordinary events.

There has been a noticeable shift taking place in the collective consciousness of contemporary society in recent years. Maybe you've felt it. One of the prime indicators is the presence of a persistent doubt in your mind informing you that the traditional institutions and systems that you once trusted are not here to serve your best interests. Be they governmental, educational, social or religious, they have all become suspect. You've also perceived a malevolent underlying unity of thought and purpose not only behind these institutions but have come to the realization that the media at-large and the entertainment industry are also a part of this covert hive mentality. Once you've come to that conclusion the obvious question is "are we losing our minds, or is there something to it"?

Fortunately for our own piece of mind if nothing else we are not alone in this awareness. There are many who sense this ambiguous something. I for one believe there is a conspiracy afoot and the reason why we are finally becoming aware of it is because the thin veneer between the manufactured illusion and reality is at long last beginning to crack. Jamie Hanshaw and Freeman Fly have worked long and hard to unravel the mysteries behind the veneer and are now exposing this century's old, multi-layered process of deception, manipulation and control. `Weird Stuff - Part I' is where it all begins. The book is 124 pages in length and is laid out in an eye catching and entertaining magazine format. This format works well allowing the reader to feel free to flip around to whatever chapter you find interesting at the moment instead of sticking to the more linear beginning to end method. Aren't we the rebels!

`Weird Stuff - Part I' is an impressive distillation of the relevant data alluding to an enormous conspiracy whose endgame is nothing less than worldwide domination. Jamie and Freeman serve as guides, walking us through the conspiratorial landscape pointing out the signs, symbols, hidden themes and power words that keep us in line. It's a powerful, disturbing presentation. Even more so when you consider the fact that the authors don't rely on any of the over-the-top histrionics or out-of-this-world theories that discredit the books of many authors within the conspiracy theory genre. There are no reptilians, extraterrestrials, interdimensionals or demons implicated here. Not that there aren't any, or that they aren't involved if they are real. It simple isn't the designated purpose of this book to identify the culprits. The intention here is to sort through the bread crumbs scattered along the path leading to whom or what waits at the end of the trail.

Whether you're new to the field of conspiracy studies or a long time theorist `Weird Stuff - Part I' has a lot to offer. Speaking for myself, what I appreciate the most about this gem of a book is the objective manner in which the material is presented. The authors express no agenda, no set in stone theory or hypothesis. It's all about presenting the information in a thorough, coherent and concise methodology thus allowing the reader to absorb the data untainted and correlate the information in a manner that makes sense to them. Jamie and Freeman are in the truest sense "Discriminators of information" and `Weird Stuff' is their manual of awakening. This is undoubtedly one of the essentials.

If you're looking for an entertaining, action packed, take no prisoners kind of film with an awesome anti-hero and an absolutely gorgeous leading lady (Olga Kurylenko) than look no further. This is your lucky day, you've just found 'Hitman'! Timothy Olyphant shines in the role of the mysterious 47, a mufti-talented assassin with no name. When 47 discovers he's been targeted by his own organization he decides to turn the tables on them. The chaos and havoc that follows is delightful; ah..., sometimes it feels so good to be bad. A perfect movie for the genre and it only gets better with repeated viewings. I love this film!

'Shooter' starring Mark Wahlberg is the best type of cinematic guilty pleasure consisting of; an ongoing shadow government conspiracy, the framing of an innocent man and the revenge he demands from those responsible. There's plenty of action and memorable performances by a talented cast. It maybe a somewhat improbable storyline but when you're in the mood for a feel good revenge film who wants reality. 'Shooter' scores extremely high in the my re-watch-ability scale as well so it's worth a purchase.

Author and illustrator, Heidi Hollis's latest children's e-book `Diary Blog of the Fickle Finders: Investigates-Secrets of a Turtle' takes the reader on another quirky adventure with those lovable young internet bloggers and founding members of the Fickle Finders secret society, Nimble Nina and Jump'n Joe. Much like the first installment of this series; `Diary Blog of the Fickle Finders: Investigates-The Other F Word' our inquisitive duo once again takes on the task of transforming the everyday into the extraordinary!

Think of it for a moment, a book about two friends with an internet blog on a mission to find out whether a turtle is by nature fickle or not fickle. Who comes up with ideas like that, certainly not me? I think it's safe to say Heidi doesn't think like other people. Am I talking about out-of-the-box you ask? To be honest I don't think Heidi knows what a box is. I guess that's the authors' unique gift and believe it or not it works!

Heidi's book works well on numerous levels. The authors' narrative consists of a clever mixture of many of the activities children enjoy the most; hanging on with friends, sharing secrets, the internet, exploring, joking around and interacting with some very cute pets, both real and imaginary. The only conspicuous omission to this list of fun things to do is video games, which I think is a good thing. We don't want to stifle or channel the imagination; we want to foster positive and original forms of thought and entertainment.

If you're looking for something different, something screwball, in other words something totally unexpected look no further. On the other hand if you'd like to see your child reading something that encourages young people to use the internet in a positive, constructive way, to ask questions and learn to seek out and find answers on their own and attempt to discern more than what normal perception dictates this is also your book. The Fickle Finders is great fun and I like turtles as well so it kind of makes me wish I was a kid again! What about it Heidi, 'Fickle Finders for Seniors' maybe?

In `UFO's, Portals & Gateways' author, researcher and investigator Nigel Mortimer has taken a unique and vitally important approach to the study of the paranormal. This approach is what you might refer to as an examination of the phenomenon behind the phenomena. While the usual cast of paranormal entities do indeed make an appearance in the book; angels and demons, Djinn and shape-shifters, fairy folk and elementals, glowing orbs and ghosts, extraterrestrials and inter-dimensionals, etc., they are not the authors' primary focus. His intent is not to provide the reader with yet another diverse and entertaining bestiary of otherworldly characters, but to look for some commonality within that diversity that could bring order into this often confusing field of inquiry.

It would be a mistake to assume the author is presenting a rather naive, over simplistic approach to the subject matter by attempting to reduce the vast and varied world of paranormal phenomena into a one theory fits all format. Nothing could be further from the truth. He acknowledges the diversity and distinctive nature of these encounters. Yet despite these differences Nigel Mortimer believes there is a unifying principle hidden within the data and he is certain that he has uncovered that elusive thread tying them all together. The key is not what they are, or where they're from, it's how they got here. It's through a portal.

Yes this book is about how portals serve as gateways for our otherworldly visitors to travel through. According to the author these openings occur naturally in the environment and there was a time when their existence was not a secret. We knew where they were located, what came through them and how to use them. Many sites were marked with standing stones or other recognizable features but over time landscapes have been altered and people have forgotten. Much has also been written about them through the centuries but for the most part the words and descriptive language used to identify them is no longer part of our vocabulary.

The author hopes we will be open and receptive to what he has to share and see the phenomena of portals as the next step in human evolution. He presents his findings in a manner that is informative, challenging and entertaining, breathing new life into the etymology of Biblical narratives such as Jacob's ladder, the burning bush and the Tower of Babel. His discourse will forever change how you process and interpret information from historical and religious works. In the same fashion Nigel Mortimer works his way through the available data of numerous historical encounters on into more contemporary occurrences always applying his new methodology of looking for the phenomenon behind the phenomena.

However that's just the software aspect of this book, there's plenty of hardware as well. The physics and metaphysics of portals are also sufficiently dealt with; EMF's, time distortion and time travel, light spectrum and colors, sound and vibration and human psychology. A little something for everybody!

With the release of `UFO's, Portals & Gateways' the author has offered a new vision and approach to the field of paranormal investigation, an understanding that should bear much fruit in the years ahead. Commonality within diversity was the missing component and with that found anything is possible. Nigel Mortimer has given us a solid foundation from which we can move forward in this process of discovery, or should I say rediscovery. Welcome to the new discipline of Comparative Portal Studies. Now pick up this book and get started!

Is there anything in this world more boring to a pre-teen than spirituality? Well besides chores, homework and vegetables that is. It's bad enough to have to read about such subjects as; beliefs, traditions and rituals, and that's actually the easy stuff to grasp. At least those are things that are learned through memorization and repetition, two of the simpler and more frequently utilized teaching methodologies. However without the glue that holds them together what real use are they? The glue is `Faith' and faith only comes as a by-product of personal experience. The task of finding faith is Gods' invitation to partake in a wondrous adventure of self-discovery by learning how to discern the presence of the sacred within the mundane. It's not so easy a task. How do you know where to look or what to look for? You don't, but you continue investigating anyway until faith eventually finds you. A dichotomy to be sure, but it's nevertheless true.

In `Diary Blog of the Fickle Finders: Investigates-The Other F Word' author, comic book illustrator, talk show host and occupational therapist Heidi Hollis has written and illustrated a fictional tale 256 page in length with 180 + images dealing with the subject matter of faith and the process of spiritual formation for pre-teens ranging from ages 7 and up. Taking full advantage of her trademark humor and quirky perspective the young reader will enjoy Heidi's storytelling style as they follow the exploits and thought processes of twelve year old Nina and her best friend Joe.

Synopsis: Just days before attending their first catechism class our intrepid duo take on the task of figuring out what is faith, is it fickle* and whether or not they already possess it. Accompanied by Nina's miracle dog Alien our amateur sleuths romp about the neighborhood looking for clues that just might reveal the elusive and mysterious nature of faith. Even after a long day of field research the day's work isn't done until all the findings of their investigation are rigorously recorded on their secret society blog site "The Fickle Finders". Of course you probably already knew that since you are a subscriber, aren't you? With this kind of work ethic surely success will be their ultimate reward!

Come and join `The Fickle Finders' secret society and add a few of your own observations to the internet diary blog, or maybe just meet them at the Bat Tree (yes I said tree) for a little upside down brainstorming. Finding Faith is definitely a daunting mission but the clues are all around and generally awaiting discovery in the most unexpected of places.